Short Summary

In Nyasaland, under the state of emergency over 550 Africans are detained in camps at an estimated cost to the Nyasaland government and the European taxpayer of GBP75,000.

Description

In Nyasaland, under the state of emergency over 550 Africans are detained in camps at an estimated cost to the Nyasaland government and the European taxpayer of GBP75,000.

Kanjedza Camp houses many detained members of the African National Congress. Some are regarded as 'hard core' troublemakers.

Given freedom to take any pictures he wanted, our cameraman says all the men look healthy and well fed - indeed many have out on weight since their detention. They have no work to do but spend the day reading, talking and playing games.

Rehabilitation has begun, and to assist in this draughts, dominoes and snakes and ladders - games never before played by Africans - have been introduced. They receive regular medical attention and their spiritual needs are looked after by the many Missionary Societies who visit the camp each week.

The Devlin Commission, headed by a British judge to look into the reasons for the Nyasaland government's declaration of a state of emergency earlier this year, has made its report. Its findings are in some ways critical of the governments handling of the situation, and have resulted in a marked increase in the level of tension. There is concern lest the Congress use the Commission's findings to foster disobedience.

Sir Patrick Devlin said "Police State" rule now prevailed in the Protectorate and rejected evidence of a massacre plot by Africans against Europeans.

Most British newspapers publishing the report this week say that Opposition will call for the resignation of Colonial Secretary Lennox-Boyd and the Nyasaland Governor Sir Robert Armitage.

Opposition members of Parliament, in what is expected to be the stormiest Commons' debate since Suez, Tuesday July 28, are expected to demand the release from prison of Dr. Hastings Banda and other African National Congress leaders. The Lords debate the Devlin report July 29.